DTI-NTC reminds cellphone and gadget dealers on consumer rights

The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI–3) and the National Telecommunications Commission Regional Office III (NTC–3) held a seminar-briefing on trade and telecommunication rules and regulations on April 14, 2015 at the Ephatha Development Center, SACOP, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

More than sixty (60) participants coming from cellphone dealers, repair shops, consumer groups and representatives of local governments attended the briefing.

Pampanga Board Member Ricardo C. Yabut gave the opening message and explained the importance of good telecommunication services in the province because it is a growth center. He said that it is important that sellers and telecom service providers take care of their clients by promptly resolving their concerns and abiding by the law.

Director Azor L. Sitchon of NTC-3 said that his office is in the process of validating the signal of all cellphone service providers in each barangay in the country to ensure the affordability, accessibility and reliability of telecommunications. He also said that during their enforcement activities in 2014, they have confiscated more than 1,000 illegal cellphone units in the region.

He reminded the participants that cellphone providers should register and revalidate their license to operate with the commission. He also said that it is important to check the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity Number (IMEI) of each cellphone to ensure that sellers are providing “type approved” units. Based on NTC rules, unauthorized selling and advertisement of illegally sourced mobile phones is punishable by law. NTC-3 has a One-Stop Action Center for consumer complaints such as unauthorized blocking or unblocking of numbers, malicious texting or slow rate of service.

Director Judith P. Angeles of DTI-3 called for vigilance and critical awareness of cellphone buyers and responsible actions from sellers and repair shops. She said that the event was initiated by the agency because of the number of complaints about cellphone units it received in the past year. She added that the briefing is an excellent venue for sellers to be educated about consumer rights and it is also a protection for sellers from importers who provide sellers with defective cellphone units. DTI CPD Chief Ricardo S. Naguit Jr. said that the holistic involvement of every stakeholder is important to enable good business.

The participants were also briefed on consumer rights and responsibilities and clarified on the period of warranty and prescription period on consumer complaints.